A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
There are no park alerts at this time.
Park Info
Silver Beach Provincial Park is located on the north end of Seymour Arm of Shuswap Lake, on the site of an historical gold rush town called Ogden City (now called Seymour Arm). The campground has sites located next to the beautiful sandy beach of the Seymour River estuary. The park provides destination camping for people arriving by boat, by vehicle (Forest Service road from Anglemont), or by ferry (from Sicamous).
Silver Beach provides the ideal summer holiday for those whose interests are swimming, house-boating, scuba-diving, fishing, water-skiing or just soaking up the sun. Anglers take note: Shuswap Lake contains 19 species of fish! Groceries and camping supplies are available locally.
Special Features: This park contains the Seymour River Estuary.
Park Size: 130 hectares
Special Notes:
Treated drinking water in small quantities is available from potable water supply building near baseball diamonds.
Houseboats may not beach between the signs at the road allowance to the east and the park boundary to the west at any time.
There are no public telephones at Silver Beach. There is cellular service in the area.
Please help to prevent the spread of Eurasian Water Milfoil by removing all weeds from your boat and motor before launching and after removing it from the lake.
Excessive noise is not permitted at any time. Please be considerate and observe the quiet time from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Consumption of alcohol is prohibited with Provincial Parks except within your campsite.
Campground
Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening
and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible
but may not offer full services such as water, security,
etc.)
April
- October
Park gate is open on April 1st and closed October 31st.
Campground
Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 15 - September
7
Off-season: no fee, no services
Campground
Reservable Dates:
Not applicable
Total
Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
35
Number
of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining
sites are first-come, first-served)
Not applicable
Note: The
above information is for the campground only. Park users can
still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit.
Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park
alerts.
General Visitor Information
CAUTION: shallow sandbars in front of main beach! Safe approach/mooring from the east, along the shore towards Bughouse Bay.
While boating in the Shuswap, watch for buoys that may indicate divers in area, safe anchorage, or a swimming area where boats are not permitted.
Some sites do not have protected beaches. In stormy weather, it is advisable to beach your boat stern-first and secure it with long ropes from the bow to pegs on the shore. Houseboats should be beached according to instructions received from the rental companies.
This park is accessible by road or water, and is situated at the north end of Seymour Arm of Shuswap Lake. By road, leave Highway #1 at Squilax. Drive approximately 83 km, the last 42 on gravel. The closest communities are: Seymour Arm, Anglemont, Celista, Scotch Creek, Blind Bay, Eagle Bay, Sicamous, Mara Lake, Tappen, Sorrento and Salmon Arm.
Nature & Culture
History - Explore the remains of Ogden, a thriving community during the gold rush of the late 1800s, now replaced by the quiet village of Seymour Arm. An historic graveyard and archaeological sites exist in the park.
Conservation - The western part of the park (containing the river mouth) is important for wildlife and fish habitat and is preserved for this purpose.
Wildlife - Black bears are occasionally seen in the area and spawning salmon may be encountered at the mouth of the Seymour River. Wildlife is potentially dangerous and may be encountered at any time. Make lots of noise when hiking where signs of bears are found. Practice safe food storage, and dispose of garbage in the containers provided. Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife.
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Contact Info
Silvertip Park Services Ltd.
Phone: 250 546-3790
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
All water sports are popular at Shuswap Lake.
Fishing
Shuswap Lake contains 19 species of fish and year round fishing. Lake trout and Rainbows to 10 kg. Bull trout, Kokanee, Burbot, Whitefish. Trolling for deep lurkers is the most popular technique. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are 700 metres of walking trails along the top of the beach. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving does occur in Shuswap Lake; please check with local dive operators for more information.
Swimming
Silver Beach is noted for its beautiful sandy beach. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing
Watersking is popular on Shuswap Lake please check with the Canadian Coast Guard for the current regulations and restrictions.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing does occur on Shuswap Lake please check with the Canadian Coast Guard for the current regulations and restrictions.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
Launch facilities are located throughout the Shuswap including at Shuswap Lake, Herald, and Mara Provincial Parks. As well, privately owned marinas and the towns of Sicamous, Chase, Salmon Arm, Seymour Arm and Canoe all have boat launches. Transport Canada restricts all power-driven vessels to 10 km/hour while operating within 30 m of shore on all inland waters of British Columbia. There is an exception which permits vessels to travel perpendicularly away from the shoreline where a higher speed may be required to tow a skier, wakeboard, etc.
Campfires
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Note:Fires are not permitted on any of the beaches within the park.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers 35 vehicle/boat/tent vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground rests in an attractive setting of Douglas fir and aspen at the head of Seymour Arm. Campsite reservations are not accepted. If staff are not around when you arrive at the campground, choose your site and pay later. Staff will be at the campground at least once a day during the camping season.
Walk/Cycle-in Frontcountry Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
Marine Access Camping Fee: $15.00 per vessel / night
Marine Access Camping Annual Fee: $600.00 per vessel / year
